Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy Alfredo-style sauce, and crispy tater tots for a hearty, family-friendly meal. This casserole is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or potluck favorite. With layers of creamy sauce, succulent chicken, and golden tater tots, every bite is indulgent yet comforting.
The creamy combination of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, and heavy cream creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and tater tots. Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses add gooey, cheesy goodness, while fresh parsley brings a touch of color and freshness to balance the richness. This casserole is easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making it ideal for busy families or anyone craving a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat & Oil:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Produce:
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Canned & Dairy:
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings:
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Tater Tots & Cheese Topping:
4 cups cooked tater tots
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and heated through. Mix in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and chopped parsley.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the creamy chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked tater tots on top. Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the tater tots, then top with the remaining tater tots. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and optional cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot for a comforting, cheesy, hearty meal.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and bake just before serving.
- For extra cheesy goodness, add more mozzarella or cheddar on top.
- Substitute frozen tater tots with homemade potato wedges for a healthier option.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Variations
- Add vegetables such as peas, broccoli, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
- Swap cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups for a lighter cream-based sauce if desired.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.
Q2: Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free condensed soups and ensure the tater tots are gluten-free.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. Fontina, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well.
Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Assemble without baking and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake before serving.
Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole: A Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish combining tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a hearty family dinner with layers of flavor and melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups cooked tater tots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until lightly browned and cooked through, then remove and dice.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, Parmesan, heavy cream, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add diced chicken to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and evenly spread cooked tater tots on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and optional cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Substitute tater tots with hash browns for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is a rich, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave creamy, cheesy comfort food. With tender chicken, a velvety sauce, and golden tater tots, this casserole delivers hearty flavors that everyone will love.